U.S. Northwest tribes see changes in sacred ‘first foods’ – Smaller salmon arriving later

By Rob Manning
28 July 2011 PORTLAND, OREGON – Northwest tribal leaders say they’re seeing climate change affect food sources that are vital to their culture. “All we can do is try to help these plants and animals adapt. If we don’t, the future of the tribes’ First Foods could be at stake” says Paul Lumley of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. He’s worried about the future. Rob Manning reports on how climate change is affecting tribal culture. Gerald Lewis is a member of the Yakama Tribal Council. He says a traditional story explains how native people are tied to salmon. “The Creator in turn spoke to them, that ‘man was coming.’ And so, in this way, salmon stepped up and said ‘I will provide for the people.’ And so, the foods followed in order – the animals, the deer, the roots, and the berries.” Lewis and other tribal leaders say they’re noticing changes in these sacred First Foods. He says salmon are changing in two ways. “We have seen that throughout these past few years, especially, that our salmon runs are coming in later. The size of the fish, also – they seem to be smaller.” […] Lewis says he’s also hearing from tribal women that the roots they harvest for ceremonies are changing, too. “They are very small, and their numbers are dwindling, as well. So, it affects a lot of our roots today, this climate change.” […] Government scientists agree that salmon returning from the ocean appear to be smaller than in the past. Hatcheries and fishing practices could be part of the reason. But Oregon Fish and Wildlife biologist, Kathryn Kostow says the way climate change is affecting the ocean could be responsible, too. “It may be a change in ocean productivity, and it may be associated with climate change, but we still have a lot of work to do to decide that’s true.” Scientists confirm that the spring Chinook runs have been late, recently. That’s culturally a very significant run for the tribes. Scientists say a climate-affected ocean could be partly responsible, but the power and temperature of the spring Columbia might be more important. […] Biologists don’t expect salmon to head north. They say it’s more likely they’d just slowly disappear from the Columbia. And the way climate change is going, that could put the tribes’ precious spring Chinook, at the greatest risk.

Northwest Tribes See Changes In Sacred ‘First Foods’